Zhang Ziyu draws WNBA interest as Chinese basketball star

Zhang Ziyu, a 19-year-old Chinese basketball player standing 2.2 meters tall, is drawing attention from the WNBA. During a seminar in Macau for youth from Macau, Hong Kong, and southern China, Zhang discussed her experiences, which include helping China reach the basketball World Cup quarterfinals and winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan.

While her height is a significant advantage, critics have noted areas for improvement, such as mobility and a heavy reliance on close-range shots. Dawn Smyth, vice president of the NBA, suggested that Zhang will likely play both in China and abroad in the WNBA in the coming years.

Yao Ming, the former president of the Chinese Basketball Association, noted that while Zhang is a remarkable talent, China still has a “long way to go” to encourage more female players. He emphasized that fostering genuine interest in the sport is the most critical factor for child development.